Michigan State University Apologizes for a General Knowledge Question about Adolf Hitler Michigan State University (MSU) has issued an apology for a general knowledge question that was broadcast on the video screen before a school football game on this Saturday. The question for which the MSU apologizes is to displayed an image of Adolf Hitler and inquired about his place of birth.
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According to The Associated Press, the general knowledge video was taken from the Quiz Channel’s YouTube page, and the channel’s producer, Floris van Pelt, later wrote on the page that he was unaware that MSU was using his quiz.

He wrote that to be very Honest and clear, I had no knowledge that Michigan State University was using my content for entertainment in their stadium, and this was an unintended and unauthorized use.” “A random history general knowledge question in an inappropriate setting.”
Time for Screening of the Image on screen
It’s not clear how long the image of Hitler remained on the screen, as the YouTube quiz video displayed the image for approximately 18 seconds.
Matt Larson, the Associate Athletic Director for Michigan State, issued an apology for the general knowledge question, stating that the university “will not use third-party content for entertainment in the future and will implement strong screening and approval processes for all video board content.”
Alan Haller, the Athletics Director and Chairman, mentioned that before the video was played, no one in the athletics department had thoroughly reviewed it. He thought that it describes a failure in process. The video was not a part of any promotional effort and had no connection to our corporate partners or our community.”
Haller added, “An initial evaluation has been made, and an employee’s identification has been provided, and compensation has been suspended with pay until the results of the investigation are determined.” “The investigation will determine any appropriate actions in the future.”
According to an AP report, Interim University President Teresa Woodruff also issued an apology for the incident, calling it “unacceptable” and vowing to “work with every member of our Jewish and minority communities to ensure that Spartans feel this is a place where everyone can live, work, attend class, and participate in welcoming programs.”

MSU’s Board of Trustees said that it is “outraged” by the image and stated, “The displayed image was unacceptable, and as the governing body for MSU, we publicly apologize to all who were in Spartan Stadium or otherwise learned of it.”
The board said it had spoken with Woodruff and Haller to express their “extreme disappointment” and was seeking answers on how the question was displayed and why MSU employees were held accountable.
Michigan State lost to Michigan with a score of 49-0.
FAQs
What exactly happened at Michigan State University with the Adolf Hitler question?
Before a school football game, Michigan State University displayed a general knowledge question on the stadium’s video screen, which featured an image of Adolf Hitler and asked about his place of birth. This caused a significant controversy.
Where did the university get the content for this question?
The general knowledge question was taken from the Quiz Channel’s YouTube page, a third-party source. The university did not obtain prior approval to use this content.
How long was the image of Hitler displayed on the screen?
The exact duration is not clear, but the YouTube quiz video showed the image for approximately 18 seconds.
What was the university’s response to this incident?
Michigan State University issued an apology for the use of this content and promised not to use third-party content for entertainment purposes in the future and they also pledged to implement more stringent screening and approval processes for video board content.
Were there any consequences for university employees involved in this incident?
Yes, an employee’s identity has been revealed, and their compensation has been suspended with pay pending the results of an investigation. The investigation will determine any appropriate actions to be taken in the future.
How did the university’s leadership respond to the incident?
The Interim University President, Teresa Woodruff, issued a public apology and pledged to work with all members of the community to ensure that Michigan State University remains a welcoming place for everyone, irrespective of their background.